At the start of free agency, Arrieta was believed to be one of the top free agent pitchers on the market but his agent Scott Boras was believed to initially be seeking a long-term deal in the $200 million range.

Arrieta was 68-31 with a 2.73 ERA in five seasons in Chicago after starting his career in Baltimore.

Arrieta's market had dried up in this weird offseason after going 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA a year ago with the Cubs.

The National League East just became a lot more interesting with this signing, as the Phillies will now have their rotation led by the 2015 National League Cy Young Award victor.

Arrieta, 32, is coming off a 2017 campaign that saw his performance dip from the elite level it had been at the previous two seasons.

The Phillies haven't had a winning season since 2011, but now have added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could show considerable improvement over last season's 66-96 mark. "Primarily, he came here to be a Cub and he did that and he ascended to a Cy Young and three years of playoffs". But he's still a big fish capable of good things. "I want what's best for them". Follow our Facebook page to get updates on your news feed!